OM System Tough TG-7

When the OM System Tough TG-7 turned up on my desk the first think I thought of was my old clubbing days when we would go out with a digital camera, I realised how the humble compact digital camera has disappeared from use. However, this is not a humble digital camera, the clue is in the name an this baby is tough, another immediate benefit is having the option to capture the moment whilst ditching the phone and constant notifications.

So to start off the TG-7 is waterproof, weather it accompanies you diving your accidently takes a plunge down the loo, it’s no problem, it can handle up to 15m, it is also shockproof with drops up to 2.1m and freezeproof down to -10°C. The casing is also dust proof, it handle the beach and other dirty areas, it is also crushproof and can withstand loads up to 100kg. To top it all off no matter what the conditions you don’t have to worry about the lens fogging up and ruining your picture.

It is well suited for adventures under the sea with various underwater photography specific settings, the grip and camera controls placement has also been considered to give you the best handling even under challenging conditions. Theres is a whole line of accessories and products designed around your various needs, from lens converters to floating straps and cases to kit it out your hobbies.

The TG-7 isn’t just a tough body, on the inside it has all the tech to produce beautiful images, it has bright F2.0 lens, it has a fun and functional macro settings with four different macro modes and a 1cm focusing distance, the TG-7 comfortably focuses on subjects that are even uncomfortably close. The microscope mode provides you with up to 44.4x display magnification, there is also five underwater imaging modes covering everything from macro images to wide-angle shots. It does just as well on dry land with 12.7mp resolution and 22 shooting modes in total. There is also video recording, editing, filters, RAW function, wireless flash options, GPS and manual controls to play with.

This beast of a camera is pretty much indestructible, perfectly suited for any adventure but particularly adept at underwater photography and close ups, there is definitely still a place in the world for compact digital cameras. RRP £499

Om Tough TG-7